Mechanical golf-teaching device



H. W. GARLAND.

MECHANICAL GOLF TEACHING DEVICE.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 21, I921- 1,3 99,761. Patentefl we 13,, I921 UNITED STATES.

PATENT OFFICE.

HARRISON W. GARLAND, OF BAY CITY, MICHIGAN.

MEGE ANICAL GOLF-TEACHING DEVICE.

Specification of Letters Patent.

Patented Doc. 13, 1921.

application filed April 21, 1921. Serial No. 463,217.

' provide a device for teaching (by practice) the correct stroke or method of swinging the golf club so that the ball will be properly played in the intended manner and the swing will be mechanical.

One object of the invention is-to provide a flexible device which can be quickly and easily adjusted to suit the arc of travel of the head of a golf club when swung by players of differentsizes.

A still further object is to provide a device for holding the players head in correct position when making a stroke.

' A further object still is to provide means which can be detachably connected to the head of a golf club to insure a smooth and easy stroke and reduce to a minimum the friction resulting from the contact of the club with the device.

With the above and other objects in view,

the present invention consists in the combination and arrangement of -parts, hereinafter more fully described, illustrated iii the accompanying drawing, and particularly pointed out in the appended claims, it being understood that changes may be made in the form, size, proportion and minor details of construction, without departing from the spirit or sacrificing anyof the advantages of the invention.

In the drawings Figure '1 is a front View of my improved mechanical golf teaching device illustrating a player in position for playing the ball.

Fig. 2 is an edge view thereof, the device being shown in section.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary front view of the device-showing'the club n position in the flexible raceway, and

Fig. 4 is a sectional view of Fig. 3. p

The first and all important part in the game of golf is the correct and properswing. Beginners usually hit the ground in front of the ball, slice it on either one side or the other, or very often miss it entirely, and usually no two strokes are alike, and it is the object of this invention to provide a device to teach the golf players the correct swing or stroke in such manner that the proper stroke will be almost automatic and mechanical. With this object in view I have provided a curved flexible member which I have indicated by the numeral 5, and so formed that it conforms to the swing or are which the head of the golf club describes when it is swung by a player for the purpose of playing the golf ball in the usual manner. This member can be of any desired cross section, but it is absolutely essential that it be flexible in order that it may be bent to conform to the different arcs through which a a golf club is swung by golf players of differ- .ent sizes.

There are a number of different methods of producing a flexible member, such as are required in a device of this nature, viz., it may be made up of small sections properly secured together, or it may be formed of a material which has sufficientresiliency to allow it to be bent as required, and I do not wish to be limited to any particular means of forming this flexible member. Further, it may be square, round or of any other cross sectional configuration, or it may be a top and bottom member linked together in any suitable manner, but in Fig. 2 of the drawing l have shown the member 5 as square in cross-section having a slot 6 formed on the inner edge thereof to accommodate the golf club, while in Figs. 3 and 4 it is shown with a different shape with the head of the club in position therein.

The device is adapted to be supported and braced by means of adjustable braces 7 both ends of which are provided with ball and socket joints 8, the lower end fitting into a socket 9 adapted to rest on the ground, and the upper end fitting into a suitable member 10 rigid on the member 11. This will allow for lateral as well as vertical adjustments, the socket 9 formed with a base 11 integral therewith and being held in position on the ground by means of pins 12 extending through suitable openings, in the plate and embedded in the ground. The braces can be of the usual type used for supporting large cameras and consist of the two pieces slidably mounted in keepers 13 and locked in adjusted position by means of a set screw secured together in a similar manner, members 15 and 16 respectively are attached to either end of'the device and are secured together by means of the set nut 14, the usual keepers being provided.

In practice the head of the golf club 17 is inserted at one end of the member 5 and in order that it may travel around the said member with the least resistance and friction possible, I provide a ball race 18 having an opening 18 through the center which is adapted to receive the head of the golf, club. This head is first inserted in the ball cage and then the head with the cage attached is entered in one end of the member 5, the anti friction balls in the ball cage providing a very smooth operating mechanism. When the pupil is sufficiently advanced it may be desirable to play the ball while practising on this golf device, and with this in view I have provided a joint at the point 5" so that one half of the device can be removed, and a regulation golf ball placed on the inwardly extending lugs 19 formed integral with the member 5.

Ofttimes the golf player moves his head or leans considerably to one side or the other during the process of playing the ball, thereby destroying his vision or aim, and I have therefore provided a hollow standard 20 having a base plate 20 integral therewith.

A rod 21 is slidably mounted in this member 20 and is providel with a forked portion 22 adapted to fit the head of the player and prevent his leaning or shiftinghis head.

From the foregoing description it, will be obvious that I have perfected a very simple, convenient and efficient golf teaching device which automatically compels and teaches the player to make the proper stroke.

What I claim is 1. A mechanical golf teaching device comprising a curved flexible member adapted to receive the head of a golf club.

2. A mechanical golf teaching device comprising a flexible member adapted to receive thehead of a golf club and adjustable to suit the arc of travel of the head of the golf club when making a shot. A mechanical golf teaching device comprising an adjustable curved flexible member, an elongated slot in the said member and means for.bracing said flexible member in its adjusted position.

4:. A mechanical golf teaching device comprising a curved flexible member adapted to be curved to suit the arc of travel of the head of a golf club when making a stroke, adj ustable means for holding said flexible member in adjusted position, and a ball cage mounted in said member having anti friction balls mounted therein and detachably secured to the said head of the olf club.

5. A mechanical oIf teaching device comrising a curved exible sectional member iaving an elongated slot therein, lugs in one of the sections in which a golf ball is adapted to be seated, and means for holding said flexible member in position.

6. In combination, a mechanical golf teaching device comprising a sectional curved flexible member, lugs in the said member adapted to receive a golf ball, adjustable braces for holding the said flexible member in-adjusted position, a ball cage having antifriction balls mounted therein, an opening in said cage adapted to receive the head of a golf club, and an adjustable standard having a forked head piece for holding the players head in correct position.

In combination, a mechanical olf teaching device comprising a curved flexible member capable of adjustment to suit different arcs of travel of the heads of golf clubs used by different players, adjustable means for holding said member in adjusted positions, a ball cage having anti friction balls mounted therein and adapted to receive the head of the golf club, and an adjustable head piece for holding the players head in proper position.

In testimony whereof, I afiix my signature.

HARRISON W. GARLAND.

the 

